Watch Troy in Action
My journey—from creative professional to leading 3,000 people with no traditional leadership roadmap—shows that real impact happens when you step boldly into the unknown. My job? To help you skip the guesswork and grow with confidence.
About Troy
Troy Barrington Lilly is a keynote speaker, the Mayor of Forest Heights, Maryland, and a mentor to emerging leaders. With his high-energy style and relatable approach, Troy guides audiences to confront fears, choose bold action, and create meaningful change. In his career journey, he has gone from a photographer and user experience professional with no formal leadership training to his town’s youngest mayor. Troy understands what it means to lead with courage and adapt to uncertainty.
Driven by his mission to help 100 million people move from fear to fulfillment, Troy speaks passionately about being an audacious leader, building and leveraging community partnerships, and navigating financial challenges with creativity. He combines poignant stories with practical solutions, creating an experience that inspires his audiences to take charge of their destiny.
When Troy steps onto the stage, he takes emerging leaders on a journey of self-discovery. They leave empowered to step outside their comfort zone and create a future where they thrive. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, Troy is eager to help you get started.
Troy's Talks
What I Speak On
How to Live an Audacious Life
The world needs bold, fearless leadership now more than ever. This talk is a call to action for emerging leaders to step up, embrace their full potential, and inspire change in their communities. Troy shares five powerful principles that challenge you to rethink what’s possible, break free from fear, and find the courage to chart a new path. It’s time to lead audaciously and create the fulfilling future you’re meant for.
This talk will help you:
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Embrace a mindset where your potential is unlimited
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Build resilience to overcome obstacles
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Discover how to gain influence and help others on your path to fulfillment
No Money, No Problem: Leveraging Relationship Capital
In the public sector, relationships are often worth more than money—and knowing how to build and leverage them can make all the difference. This talk dives into the power of relationship capital, teaching you how to cultivate meaningful connections, provide value, and turn your network into your greatest asset. Troy also shares insights about negotiation, revealing how to maximize opportunities, align interests, and achieve win-win outcomes. Have a big impact even with constrained resources.
This talk will help you:
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Identify opportunities to build collaboration and advance organizational goals
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Learn the one negotiation skill that consistently delivers outsized results
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Know when to walk away and protect your integrity and mission
Testimonials
“With Troy, you’re not just listening—you’re ignited to lead with purpose and vision.”
Courtney Finklea Green
Deputy Treasurer of Maryland
Book Troy
Let’s make your next event one to remember. Send us a message so we can get in touch.